Updated 12:55pm, Friday: Firefighters have brought a bushfire near Cataract Gorge in Launceston under control.
The blaze ignited around 8:30am on Friday. Its cause will be investigated.
Rick Mahnken from the Tasmania Fire Service said that one waterbombing aircraft and ground crews responded.
“The fire is now contained and there is no threat to communities,” he said.
“The terrain is steep so the fire moved very quickly up the slope.”
“Crews worked at both edges of the fire to ensure the fire was contained in a timely manner.”
Earlier: A bushfire at Zig Zag Reserve near Cataract Gorge has triggered a smoke alert for West Launceston.
A firefighting helicopter has been called in to help battle the blaze.
The Tasmania Fire Service has warned residents in the Hill Street and Brisbane Street West area to avoid the area.
“Smoke, ash and embers” are expected to be visible across the neighbourhood, TFS said.
“There is no threat to communities.”
